Gnocchi, Butternut Squash, and Italian Sausage in a Brown-Butter Sage Sauce

Gnocchi, Butternut Squash, and Italian Sausage in a Brown-Butter Sage Sauce is a simple, delicious, and comforting dish that beautifully marries the flavors and textures of classic Italian cuisine with a hint of rustic fall charm.

Gnocchi, made from potatoes, offer a delightful chewy and soft texture. They act as a perfect canvas for absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce. The inclusion of butternut squash adds a natural sweetness and creaminess to the dish, complementing the savory elements. Its soft texture when cooked contrasts nicely with the firmer gnocchi. Italian sausage brings a spicy and robust flavor, while introducing a meaty depth that anchors the dish. The choice between mild and spicy sausage is up to you. The sauce is the star of the dish, with butter cooked until it reaches a nutty, toasty aroma, and fresh sage leaves adding an earthy, slightly peppery note. It not only provides rich flavors but also a silky texture that coats the gnocchi and vegetables beautifully.

The dish strikes a balance between the simplicity of ingredients and complexity of flavors. The sweetness of the squash, the savory punch of the sausage, and the aromatic richness of the brown-butter sage sauce create a symphony of flavors that punches about their individual weight classes. The contrasting textures – from the soft gnocchi and squash to the slightly crispy sausage – make each bite interesting and satisfying. With its vibrant colors – the orange of the squash, the golden-brown gnocchi, and the speckled brown of the sausage – this dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Cooking Tips

• Sauce Timing: It’s crucial to watch the butter carefully as it browns to prevent it from burning. Adding sage at the right moment infuses the sauce with flavor.
• Cooking Gnocchi: Gnocchi should be cooked just until they float to the top of boiling water to avoid them becoming too soft.

Wine Pairing

This dish pairs pairs well with several types of wines. The key is to balance the richness of the brown-butter sage sauce and sausage with the sweetness of the squash.

• Chardonnay: Opt for a Chardonnay with a nice balance of oak and acidity. The buttery notes of the wine complement the brown-butter sage sauce, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Grenache (Garnacha): A Grenache, known for its berry flavors and spicy notes, can provide a nice contrast to the savory elements of the dish without overpowering it.
• Pinot Noir: A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can be a great match. It offers enough fruitiness to complement the sweetness of the squash, and its subtle earthy tones pair nicely with the sage and sausage.

Gnocchi with Butternut Squash and Italian Sausage in a Brown-Butter Sage Sauce is a heartwarming dish that combines the comforting textures of gnocchi with the rich, layered flavors of butternut squash, Italian sausage, and a decadent brown-butter sage sauce. It’s a dish that speaks to the heart of Italian cooking while delighting with its seasonal warmth and complexity. Enjoy!

Gnocchi, Butternut Squash, and Italian Sausage in a Brown-Butter Sage Sauce

5 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Gnocchi with Butternut Squash and Italian Sausage in a Brown-Butter Sage Sauce is a rich and comforting dish that combines pillowy gnocchi with sweet butternut squash and savory Italian sausage, all enveloped in a nutty, aromatic brown-butter sage sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound 1 gnocchi

• 1 medium 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed

• 2 tablespoons 2 extra virgin olive oil

• 1 pound 1 italian sausage

• 4 tablespoons 4 unsalted butter

• 1 handful 1 sage leaves

• 2 cloves 2 garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup 1/2 parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Equipment

• Large potBuy now
• KnifeBuy now
• Large skilletBuy now
• Cooking spoonBuy now
• ColanderBuy now
• Baking sheetBuy now
• Mixing bowlBuy now

Directions

• Roast the Butternut Squash:
  Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper. Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
• Prepare the Gnocchi:
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Sausage:
  While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, and cook for 2-3 additional minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Make the Brown-Butter Sage Sauce:
  In the same skillet used for to brown the sausage, add the butter and melt it over medium heat.
  Add the sage leaves. Cook until the butter starts to brown and the sage becomes crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter. Remove from the heat once it turns a nutty brown color.
• Combine Everything:
  In a large mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash, Italian sausage, and gnocchi. Pour in the brown-butter sage sauce. Toss gently to combine everything well, ensuring the gnocchi and squash are coated in the sauce. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Serve:
  Serve immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a fresh sage leaf, if desired.